Hanover moves forward with property purchase

Council hopes to consolidate the water and sewer departments into one location, said borough manager

Hanover Borough Council has given Manager Barb Krebs the go-ahead to begin purchase negotiations for a property on High Street.

The borough intends to use the two-acre property, which includes the empty Tanger building, to consolidate its water and sewer departments. Currently, the water department's pipe yard is on Summit Avenue while equipment is stored in a facility on Railroad Street. Sewer maintenance equipment is kept in a East Hanover Street building.

If an emergency occurs or regular repairs are needed, Krebs said, staff must travel to at least three locations before being able to tend to the problem. Housing everything in one spot would make the process more efficient, she said.

Money for the purchase is not available in the budget, but selling the buildings that currently housing the water and sewer equipment would cover the cost, Krebs said. Funds from selling the Blue Quarry Farm on Jacob's Road, which is scheduled for auction in late August, could also go toward the project, she said.

Krebs would not disclose what council was willing to pay for the property at the June 25 council meeting.